Taxonomy of Global Air Transport

Data from the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization Information Systems were used as a base for characterizing, classifying and comparing air transport demand and supply features of 156 countries. Relevant data from 1980 were chosen to reflect five sets of characteristics namely, air transport, 50cm-economic status, population demography, geographical and environmental features, and political features. The resulting 123 variables were assessed for accuracy and reliability and subjected to correlation and factor analysis to screen and identify key characteristics reflecting air transport potentials. This led to a suitable basis for grouping countries to allow peer comparison based on composite indices. The resulting homogeneous clusters of countries provided a better than heretofore available framework for the evaluation of differences and similarities between national consumption and supply of air transport services. Regression models were developed for each peer group of countries to evaluate air transport potential, allowing a basis for more confidence in economy-of-scale decisions.